Glasgow Labour MSP Anne McTaggart has backed a Scottish Parliamentary Motion calling on the Scottish Government to bring forward legislative proposals to criminally sanction individuals who breach the privacy of others through the vengeful act of revenge pornography.

The Motion was tabled by Liberal Democrat MSP Alison McInnes and highlights the growing problem of revenge pornography which sees individuals publishing explicit and intimate photographs and videos of ex-partners without their permission.

Ms McTaggart said “Revenge Pornography is an appalling crime which is sadly on the rise so it’s important that the law keeps pace. It is a truly horrific act which can ruin victims lives so I’m pleased that Alison McInnes has brought this matter to the attention of the Parliament, and I would urge the Scottish Government to do everything in it’s power to ensure we have new laws to help protect victims of revenge porn in Scotland.”

That the Parliament is deeply concerned at the growth of revenge pornography, which typically sees individuals publishing explicit and intimate photographs and videos of ex-partners without their permission, usually online or via other digital means and with the intent to distress, embarrass, manipulate or humiliate that person; understands that, while the images may be taken with full consent, authorisation for their subsequent dissemination is often not given; considers that the dissemination of these images has ruined lives, destroyed careers and caused untold psychological damage; recognises what it sees as the significant progress that has been made toward introducing specific legislation to deal with this problem in England and Wales; recalls that the Lord Advocate has argued for the introduction of new laws to help protect victims of revenge porn in Scotland, and believes that Scottish Government ministers should bring forward legislative proposals to criminally sanction individuals who breach the privacy of others through these vengeful acts.